LEBANON, Ind. – John Baugh, Purdue University’s director of agricultural services and regulations, graduated from the university in 1972 and returned 30 years ago to assume his current role. In between his years at Purdue – and since his return – Baugh has advocated for the school and for agriculture in the state.

In late July, Baugh was given the 2025 Friend of Farmer award by the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Growers Association. The award was presented during the Indiana Ag Policy Summit at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon.

“I was genuinely surprised when I learned that I had received the award,” he told Farm World. “It was an unexpected and great honor. While I’d love to say it was all due to my good looks, I suspect the award had more to do with years I’ve spent advocating for agriculture.

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside many wonderful people to contribute to causes I’m passionate about, especially promoting the importance of agriculture in our community. Still, I like to think a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either!”

The Friend of Farmer award is presented to someone who has promoted policies that support Indiana’s corn and soybean farmers through a specific project or a career of support, according to a spokesman for the Indiana corn and soybean organizations. Baugh’s connection with Purdue and the university’s connection to agriculture has allowed our organizations and Purdue to work together on many policy goals during the past few decades, the spokesman added.

Past winners include Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; Indiana Sen. Jean Leising (R-District 42); and former U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.)

Baugh started lobbying in the late 1980s while working for Indiana Farm Bureau.

“Over the years, I found my passion for representing agriculture and Purdue grow as I saw firsthand the positive impact that thoughtful, science-based policy and strong support can make,” he explained. “I’ve truly enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with both state leaders and stakeholders in the ag community.

“Building relationships, explaining the real-world needs of our producers, and helping decision-makers understand the importance of agriculture has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.”

He said he’s enjoyed seeing how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change – especially watching Purdue agriculture initiatives come to life.

“I’ve advocated for increased funding for research and extension, as well as key capital projects like the Food Science and Animal Sciences buildings and the Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory. Knowing that my efforts have helped secure greater stability and more opportunities for agricultural producers, as well as College of Agriculture students, faculty and staff, to be successful is deeply gratifying.”

Baugh, who graduated from Purdue with a degree in animal sciences, said the thing he enjoys most about his current role is the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated and passionate group of people who share a commitment to excellence.

As a lobbyist and advocate, Baugh has worked with some legislators without farm backgrounds. For those lawmakers, he said it’s important to give real-life examples and emphasize that decisions made far from the farm gate can have meaningful, sometimes unintended, consequences.

“I want them to see the challenges and opportunities that farmers face every day, and to recognize the value agriculture brings not just to rural areas, but to the entire state and nation,” he said.

Baugh received the Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service in 2022 from Purdue, and the AgriVision Award – Indiana’s highest agricultural award – in 2024 from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Brian Warpup, ISA membership and policy committee chair, said Baugh was critical in establishing the Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund, expanding rural broadband access, modernizing chemical applicator licensing and supporting sustainable agronomic practices.

“Baugh has been a steady presence at the Indiana Statehouse for more than three decades,” he said in a release. “He has helped shape critical legislation affecting farmers and rural communities.”